West Coast Operations Manager [OWH]

Position Summary The Operations Manager of a $1B company’s 1.8M Sq Ft automated distribution center reports directly to the General Manager and is responsible for end to end automation operations, demonstrating deep expertise in automated systems while leading a team of Area Supervisors, Leads, and associates and ensuring seamless adherence to company policies and procedures.  In this dynamic role, the Operations Manager leads by example, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability within the teams, while coaching and guiding them with the necessary tools and resources for success within a fast-paced diverse team environment that prioritizes collaboration, trust, and teamwork to drive employee and customer satisfaction. The Operations Manager leads initiatives to drive continuous improvement in productivity and efficiency, leveraging innovative solutions and best practices to optimize the overall performance of our distribution center. This position also serves as a crucial liaison between operations teams and upper management to communicate and align cross functional teams, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning to drive company objectives in a rapidly evolving industry.                                                                                 Leadership Responsibilities At ULAC, we are looking for people who share our vision of fostering a collaborative culture of continuous improvement. All leadership roles at ULAC are responsible for developing, empowering, and growing our people to be and deliver their best. Leadership behaviors that model ULAC’s mission and values of Unity, Loyalty, Achievement, and Charity include: Lead Proactively: Anticipate and solve problems early, stay curious, and encourage team members to focus on solutions and high performance. Drive innovation by identifying and implementing improved approaches. Provide Positive & Frequent Performance Feedback: Regularly recognize good work, pinpoint improvement areas, and help with ongoing development. Initiate Structure: Set clear, challenging team goals, communicate them effectively, and create organized plans that align with company objectives. Achieve Objectives: Create and follow through on effective plans, guide team members consistently, and use data from reports to make decisions that help people and processes. Foster Positive Culture: Build and maintain an uplifting, trusting, and innovative workplace. Communicate Effectively: Promote open communication, listen actively, and facilitate teamwork and conflict resolution. Motivate and Inspire: Lead by example, show respect, and give encouragement, to inspire teams to achieve their best. Train and Develop Others: Act as a coach and mentor, focus on transferring knowledge, enhancing skills, and supporting high performance. Functional Responsibilities Direct Daily Operations Oversee the daily operations of all aspects of distribution center, including receiving, warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping across all automated and manual functions in a fast-paced environment of over 200 team members. Develop and implement operational procedures and best practices in alignment with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, maximize productivity and meet Service Level Agreements (SLA) requirements. Oversee and provide daily coaching, guidance and direction to team members (including Area Managers, 3-5 exempt level Supervisors and 100-250 nonexempt hourly employees), promoting a sense of urgency and the importance of consistently meeting operational targets.  Use discretion and independent judgment while maintaining the integrity of ULAC Mission, Vision and Values statement in making all business decisions. Inventory Management and Quality Control Collaborate with Inventory Control Manager to maintain inventory accuracy, optimize stock availability and minimize excess inventory and stockouts through regular audits, inspections and cycle counting. Collaborate with cross functional leadership teams to implement and enforce quality control processes, including ABC analysis and other inventory optimization techniques, ensuring accuracy and integrity of shipments in alignment with operational goals and strategies.  Prioritize trailer unloads to maximize efficiency and prevent detention fees, ensuring seamless operations and cost-effectiveness. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry requirements, conducting audits and implementing corrective actions as necessary to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.  Staff Supervision: Define and track KPIs related to productivity, accuracy and efficiency, utilizing performance data analysis to identify improvement areas and implement corrective measures. Lead a team of Area Managers, Supervisors, and associates, offering training, coaching, and oversight of performance to foster a culture of safety, teamwork and continuous improvement. Plan and organize work assignments, monitor and control departmental expenses including overtime in order to meet or exceed budgetary guidelines. Ensure adherence to established standards and procedures, providing guidance and support to optimize staff performance and achieve operational objectives. Responsible for driving performance accountability, initiating corrective action and coaching when necessary, and collaborating with HR when escalation to disciplinary action is required. Communication and Collaborative Leadership:  Lead and participate in collaboration efforts with cross functional leadership teams such as Engineering, HR, Inventory Control, Account Support Dept, and Customer Service to build and execute productivity plans, productivity requirements and optimize operational processes and ensure seamless operations.  Deliver clear and timely communication of operational updates, challenges, and opportunities for innovation to the General Manager and other cross functional leaders, fostering transparency and alignment across all teams.  Training and Development Provide tailored training and guidance on the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of automated equipment and systems, ensuring that operational staff have the necessary skills to effectively utilize technologies.   Facilitate training sessions, workshops, and cross functional team meetings to promote continuous skill development and expertise in automation technologies, fostering a culture of learning and innovation. Ensure adherence to all safety programs and requirements, maintaining ULAC’s commitment to the highest standards of safety and compliance. Continuing Education and Professional Affiliations Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices related to overseeing automated distribution centers, optimizing supply chain operations, and enhancing logistics efficiencies.  Pursue advanced certifications or specialized training programs tailored to areas crucial for the role, such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP), Warehouse Management Certification (WMC), Lean Six Sigma Certifications, or Project Management Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP). Maintain active membership and engagement in relevant industry associations such as Material Handling Industry (MHI), Warehouse Education and Research Council (WERC), or Robotic Industries Association (RIA).   Participate in networking events, forums, and committees within professional associations to exchange ideas, share insights, and build strategic partnerships with industry peers.                                                                                Education/Qualifications REQUIRED o   Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field or a minimum of 5 years of experience in 3rd Party Logistics or warehouse. o   Proficiency in Warehouse Management System (WMS) and Microsoft Office suite. o   Demonstrated strong customer service, communications and interpersonal skills with ability to collaboratively address complex workplace challenges.  o   Ability to perform physical activity at a sustained pace including walking, bending, and lifting within an automated distribution center environment. PREFERRED o   Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or a related field. o   Certification in Logistics or Supply Chain Management. o   Additional training or coursework in data analytics, lean management, process optimization, or project management. Experience REQUIRED o   At least 3 years of experience in an Operations Manager role or 5 years of supervisory experience. o   Proven leadership skills with a track record of fostering employee engagement, talent acquisition, retention, and development, as well as conflict resolution and team building. o   Experience in managing both exempt and non-exempt hourly staff.  o   Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed strategic performance and objectives goals.   PREFERRED o   Previous supervisory experience within an automated distribution center. o   Experience utilizing advanced data analysis tools and software.